Gavin Andrews, an outdoor enthusiast, was forced to seek indoor pastimes on a chilly November evening. He indulged in a game of snooker before heading out for a takeaway meal, intending to return home to his partner and their nine year old daughter, Lacey. Tragically, Gavin never made it back; he was struck down by a speeding driver while crossing Walmersley Road in Bury and left to die.

In the aftermath, a sinister attempt to conceal the crime unfolded. Now, after over three years, Gavin's loved ones have witnessed justice being served. Lacey, in a poignant statement, expressed her grief: "Now every time I see someone with a dad I get sad."

Faizaan Haider, 25, who refuted claims of driving the fatal BMW that killed Gavin on November 9, 2021, has been sentenced to nine years and three months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. He was caught speeding at nearly double the limit and under the influence of alcohol, reports the Manchester Evening News.

His uncle, Suaiel Haider, 43, received a four-year and three-month sentence for perverting the course of justice by torching the BMW to obliterate evidence and shield his nephew. Their scheme crumbled, and both men are now incarcerated.

The tragic end of the criminal case might give Gavin's family a fraction of closure, yet they were shattered the moment they learned about his untimely demise. Gavin’s mother, Isabelle Kane, felt the world collapse around her when she received that dreadful knock on the door 5 years ago.

“I have been heartbroken since that night, and my health has deteriorated,” she disclosed through a statement read by prosecutors during the sentencing. Gavin was a real character. His laugh was infectious. He had lots of hobbies, too many to mention. Birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s days, Gavin would always be the first person I would see. I am mentally and physically drained and don’t really know how I am still here. My life will never be the same without my Gavin. To lose a child is indescribable." 

That sombre day continued as they had the unbearable job of telling Lacey that her father wasn't coming back. Speaking about the deep connection between Gavin and his daughter, his partner Karen Farnworth said: “The bond that they had was the most amazing thing to see and watch."

In her victim impact statement directed at Faizaan Haider, she stoically stated: “You took that away from both of them. You took away the chance for Gavin to see his daughter finish high school, college and when she reaches adulthood. She won’t be able to have her daddy walk her down the aisle. You have absolutely destroyed part of her life."

Karen, the heartbroken mother of Gavin's daughter, shared the harrowing impact his death has had on their child: "I have had to deal with constant nightmares while she screams for her daddy. Now the only time she gets to talk to him is when we visit him at the cemetery. My daughter should not have to deal with all of this. You have caused all this. You are the one who destroyed a little girl's life."

Gavin's sister, Rebecca Andrews, expressed her devastation: "The dangerous actions of Faizaan Haider have ruined my life. Not only have you taken Gavin away, you have also taken a part of me." She reminisced about Gavin's infectious joy: "You could never be sad when Gavin was around. Gavin was the most amazing big brother."

Rebecca described the prolonged agony awaiting justice: "For three years and five months, my life has been ruined but also put on hold waiting for justice and closure. What I can only describe as a nightmare has become a reality."

Stacey Andrews, another of Gavin's sisters, spoke of the irreplaceable loss: "Life will just simply never be the same. Faizaan Haider and Suaiel Haider will never know the pain and hurt they have caused. As a family it has left us doing a life sentence." John Andrews, Gavin's father, mourned the loss of his son, whom he called his 'best friend, my life and my world'.

Faizaan Haider and Suaiel Haider, both from Bury, faced their reckoning on Friday (Apr 25) at Minshull Street Crown Court, where they were sentenced for their heinous crime.

Following the hearing, Detective Sergeant Andrew Page, from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, stated: "Today is the conclusion of a three and a half year investigation and I hope this sentence can provide some more closure to the family of Gavin. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Gavin's family for their patience and dignity throughout this investigation.

"These men have shown no remorse at any point since the fatal collision and today they have seen the consequences of their actions. They failed to stop at the scene and made efforts to destroy the car. Their cowardly efforts to destroy evidence and refusal to speak when questioned by officers in custody was unacceptable knowing the harm they had caused. At trial, both men attempted to blame another individual for their actions in a futile attempt to evade justice.

"I hope this case highlights the hard work our officers will go to in order to bring offenders to justice who use the road network in Greater Manchester illegally."